The Denver Nuggets locker room reportedly had a "rock-bottom" vibe to it last night, but the situation apparently came to a head during the second half of the team's 114-102 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.
Andre Miller, Brian Shaw argue during Nuggets’ loss to 76ers
The veteran felt disrespected by not getting any playing time from his coach.
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Spor
Christopher Dempsey of the Denver Post reports that Andre Miller, who was on his way to a DNP - Coach's Decision, ripped into coach Brian Shaw on the bench. Miller confronted Shaw about the disrespect he was shown by not being played when he was ready and able to do so, according to the report.
Balancing act: Shaw attempting to win while developing talent
Miller yelled about the disrespect he felt he was being shown by sitting. And if he was being disrespected, he’d do the same to the Nuggets’ first-year head coach.
“There’s a time and place for everything,” Shaw said. “In the middle of the arena in front of everyone ... I just tried to calm it down.”
Asked if Miller understood the reasons for his one-game seat on the bench, Shaw said, “You’ll have to ask him.”
But by that time, Miller had already left.
The media was unable to get anything from Miller after the game, though the issue will likely be addressed the next time players are available to speak.
We've been through issues like this before with Miller. He's very well-respected around the league, but he took the opportunity to go after George Karl at times last season, too. Denver might not be the best place for Miller these days, but this situation is strange. After all, the Nuggets are better off when the veteran is on the court.
Here’s a really nice stat from John Schuhman of NBA.com:
Andre Miller not happy that he's been cut from rotation: http://t.co/6T97rfwE37 DEN is 11-5 when Miller plays 19+ min. 3-12 when he doesn't.
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) January 2, 2014 Interesting to note, as things are seemingly crumbling in Denver, with the Nuggets now on an eight-game losing stream.
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